Change in Welkom and surrounds is possible, but who is ready to lead it? 

Since 2021, Citizen Leader Lab’s Leaders for Education programme has been steadily transforming schools and communities in and around Welkom.  So far, four successful cohorts, comprising 32 school principals and 32 business leaders, have changed the face of local education and leadership. 

This August, a fifth Leaders for Education cohort will launch. The moment is ripe for more business leaders in Welkom and surrounding towns like Virginia to contribute. 

“We’ve seen incredible commitment from school principals and business leaders who are passionate about making a difference,” says Alexis Moshodi, the local coach who has been working with Citizen Leader Lab to guide and support school principals and business leaders across the region.  

For Moshodi, the region’s transformation is personal. He lives the community’s challenges and believes in its potential.  

“Welkom and its surrounding communities were developed through the mining industry. It’s a melting pot of diversity from across Africa and the world. But with the decline of mining, we’ve seen many challenges creep in, like unemployment, substance abuse, dysfunctional families and child-headed households,’’ he explains.  

Yet amid these challenges, he sees hope.  

“The future is one that is full of possibilities. These possibilities redefine the community as one that is solutions-driven, where people come together in thinking partnerships. At Citizen Leader Lab, we believe schools are the centre of every community. That’s where transformation starts,’’ he says. 

Through the Leaders for Education programme, school principals are paired with business leaders in their region, forming partnerships that are not only supportive but also impactful.  

“These collaborations are mutually beneficial. As thinking partners, they bring different perspectives into each other’s worldviews. For many school principals, it’s having someone who listens without judgement. That alone can make a difference. They talk through their challenges and start seeing solutions,’’ says Moshodi. 

The outcomes from these previous cohorts speak volumes about what can be achieved through collaboration. 

‘’We’ve seen social entrepreneurs emerge from these partnerships, selling products to schools and the community. During school holidays, families receive vegetables to eat. It’s a small thing, but it shows how a simple connection can create positive change,” he adds. 

With the new cohort launching, Moshodi urges business leaders in Welkom and nearby areas to get involved. 

“Some are leaving for other parts of South Africa or abroad,” he says with a chuckle, “but challenges exist everywhere. We need committed leaders to stay and work with us.” 

He adds: “Representation matters. Leaders who understand our communities are essential. Blaming others won’t help us move forward.” 

To any business leader wondering if they can make a difference, Moshodi has a simple call to action: “What is the future YOU want? It can be achieved with your participation. At Citizen Leader Lab, we create a space for possibilities to become a reality.” 

Contact alexis@citizenleaderlab.org to be part of the fifth Leaders for Education cohort launching this August 

About Citizen Leader Lab 

Founded in 2010, Citizen Leader Lab is dedicated to creating resilient leaders in the public and private sectors. Through leadership development programmes and workshops, individuals are empowered to be effective change agents in their communities. The Leaders for Education programme equips public school principals with essential school management skills and leadership training. School principals are partnered with experienced business leaders and engage in collaboration, peer learning, leadership coaching and practical school improvement projects.